BX 9211 
.W3F73 



• ^ It 



J% JK Wt /x 





r » Jy tf* 4 



■ 






9 V**v * 




J? ^ 








V • I ••• < 



;* ^ \. \\ 



<5 '„» 




4 



^> • * - <u w. * . ♦ • - *•» 




A^ ot 



SHALL WE BUILD! 



A SERMON, 



DELIVERED MARCH 1st, 1 840, 



IN VIEW OF 



BUILDING A NEW CHURCH EDIFICE, 



BY 



JOHN C. SMITH, 



Pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, Washington City* 



SHALL WE BUILD? 



A SERMON, 

DELIVERED MARCH 1st, 1 840, 
IN VIEW OF 

BUILDING A NEW CHURCH EDIFICE. 

BT 

JOHN C. SMITH, 

Pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian Churchy Washington City. 



WASHINGTON I f 
PRINTED BY J. GIDEON, JR. 
1840. 



TO THE MEMBERS OF THE FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

Bear Brethren : — The Sermon recently delivered before you, is committed to the 
press at the suggestion of some of the members of the church. In it, you have my 
views in relation to our contemplated new house of worship. Since its delivery, it af- 
fords me pleasure to say, that at our congregational meeting, the unanimous vote of 
the communicants and pew-holders has fully satisfied me on all points, concerning 
which I had previously any fears or doubts. The Sermon will be useful as a sketch of 
the history of the church, in which we are all so deeply interested. The proceeds of 
the Sermon will be applied to the new church edifice. 

The remarks in relation to the cause of separation, are intended as a simple state- 
ment of facts. Less could not well be said. I would be much pained to learn if 
they should be, otherwise, understood. 

May the Lord pour out his spirit upon us, and use us as instruments in doing great 
good. Live near to the throne. 

Affectionately, your pastor, 

JOHN C. SMITH. 

Washington City, 9th March, 1840. 



SERMON. 



Nehemiah 2. 18. 
" And they said, let us rise up and build." 

Men, acting under religious principles, or what they believe to 
be such, are always most tenacious, firm and persevering. In these 
they endure hardships ; suffer privations and want ; dwell in dens 
and caves of the earth ; wander about in sheep skins and goat 
skins being destitute, afflicted, tormented ; they are stoned, sawn 
asunder, and their blood poured out like water. Acting under re- 
ligious motives, whether true or false, men resist even unto blood, 
not counting even their lives dear unto them. 

Where these are the principles of a religion pure and heavenly, 
the world is always blessed : these false, and mankind must be cur- 
sed. Every one, therefore, has a deep interest in the promotion of 
pure religion and undefiled; and all plans which extend the influ- 
ence of such religion, must widen the circle of human happiness, 
in removing the miseries brought upon our race by sin. 

God has made his Church the depositary of his truth ; unto the 
Church are committed the oracles of God. Speaking of the Church, 
the Saviour says, 61 Ye are the salt of the earth ; ye are the light of 
the world." Commensurate with these high relations, are our so- 
lemn obligations. No man is at liberty to act according to his own 
pleasure ; with these responsibilities, he must let his light so shine 
before men that they, seeing his good works, will glorify his Father 
in Heaven. The Church of the living God maybe found worship- 
ping in different countries, with some peculiarities distinguishing 
them from other portions ; or they may be found in various sec- 
tions of the same countries, with these peculiarities ; or still to nar- 
row this down, they may be in different streets in the same city, 
sitting down under their own vine and fig-tree. The grand pecu- 
liarity of the whole body is, that they are in Christ Jesus — new 



4 



creatures, in whom, circumcision nor uncircumcision availeth any 
thing. 

Families find it more convenient and agreeable, to have their 
respective dwelling houses. Even children of the same parents,, 
when they become heads of families, prefer to live apart, while all 
the kindly feelings are cultivated, and the most affectionate inter- 
course maintained. These, instead of being lessened by such ar- 
rangements, are often perpetuated and increased. So with the dif- 
ferent branches of Christ's Kingdom. We have our respective 
houses of worship, where we assemble ourselves together, and 
where we pay our vows unto the most high God. To erect these 
houses, to the honor and glory of God, is among our first duties ; 
indeed, a house for the worship of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, is 
indispensable. Without this, we can accomplish comparatively no- 
thing ; religion itself, would, to a great extent, flee the earth, were 
there no houses in which the appropriate services could be render- 
ed. On this point, the Rev. John Howe, that distinguished Theo- 
logian, in quoting the language of another, remarks, " that if one 
travel the world, it is possible to find cities without walls, without 
letters, without kings, without wealth, without coin, without 
schools and theatres. But a city without a temple, or that useth 
no worship, prayers, &c. no one ever saw." 

Our text refers to an eventful period in the history of the 
Church. The seventy long years of captivity in the land of Baby- 
lon were drawing towards a close, when the Israel of God were to 
be delivered, and restored to their former privileges. Nehemiah, 
one of the captives, was cup-bearer to the King. His heart was 
greatly affected by intelligence received from some of his brethren, 
concerning Jerusalem. He sat down and wept, and mourned cer- 
tain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of Heaven. His 
plan to visit Judah, and go unto the city of his fathers' sepulchres, 
that he might build it, was formed ; and trusting in God, he began 
its execution. Surrounded, as he was, by difficulties to which very 
few, if any, have been since — stimulated, as he was, by those strong 
principles to which we have already adverted — he began the work, 



.0 



and with a few firm and decided men of pure minds, and single 
hearts, he, under God, accomplished the great object in view. In 
vain did Sanbaliat, the Horonite, and others, laugh, and despise 
these poor, these weak men. Happy were the spirit and the lan- 
guage of Nehemiah and his associates — " The God of Heaven, he 
will prosper us, therefore we his servants will arise and build." 

The times with Nehemiah were hard, very hard. And so are 
they with us. Money and materials were very scarce. The people 
were captive, and poor. We are not captive, but are poor. This, 
however, we consider no sin, and no reason why we should not exert 
ourselves in the discharge of every duty. Poor as most of us are, 
the question whether we will arise and build a new church edifice, 
is one that has, at sundry times, been agitated among the members 
and friends of the Church. At one period, it was so far settled, 
that a subscription was commenced, and a lot purchased. But the 
plan of building was subsequently abandoned. It was in the mind 
of my predecessor, the Rev. Mason Noble, to build an house for the 
Lord God of Israel, but it was said unto him, thou shalt not build 
an house unto my name. He has been called away to another field, 
where, at this time, he is enjoying the revival influences of the Holy 
Spirit, and where, in building, he is to accomplish what he here de- 
signed. In the providence of God, I stand here as the pastor of this 
flock. During my relation to the church, the question has frequently 
been called up, " Ought we not to make an effort to build a new 
church edifice V* And then the enquiry, " Do we really need one V* 
And then, not the least in importance, "Are we able V If we do, real- 
ly and truly, need a new church edifice — if the interests of religion, 
with us, are suffering for the want of it, or if these interests will be 
greatly promoted by having a house sufficient to accommodate our 
present congregation, with the increase we may expect — then the 
question comes up as one of solemn duty. If it be our duty — if the 
Lord by his providence is calling us to this work — then the ability 
will be afforded, whether we have it now or not. "Stretch forth 
the withered hand," was the divine command; this was done, and 
it was made whole, like unto the other. 



* 







The spirit of Nehemiah and his friends, is the only proper spi- 
rit in which any effort to accomplish an object ought to be made. 
He wept, he fasted, he prayed over the subject. Impelled by a 
strong sense of duty, he took the preparatory steps ; he informed 
the people what he had done ; how the hand of his God, which was 
good, was upon him, and what were his prospects. In view of 
these statements, they said, " let us rise up and build," and again, 
" the God of Heaven he will prosper us, therefore we his servants 
will arise and build." 

Brethren ! with such dependence, and in such a spirit, we can 
accomplish any practicable object. If we have the glory of God in 
view, as I trust we have, and are not influenced by vain and foolish 
notions of pride and ostentation, as I am persuaded we are not, we 
can, under God, accomplish the building a house to the honor of 
his name. The first question is — Do we need a new church edi- 
fice, or cannot the present house be made to answer all necessary 
purposes? The answer will be made by a statement of facts. This 
house is of wood, and, having been built for some years, requires 
considerable repairs. With all the repairs that could be put on it, 
it could not, at most, without additional repairs, nor, indeed, with 
them, last but a very few years. It is, then, a question of calcula- 
tion ; ought we to repair this house, and thus lay out a considera- 
ble sum, when we are sure that this will eventually be a waste 7 
Practical men, who have not been much in favor of building, say 
that this house ought not to be repaired. The repairs heretofore 
put on it, have made all afraid of any further expenditures in this 
way, for after all we have but a frame building. The judgment 
of practical workmen is in favor of a new church edifice, instead of 
repairing the house which we now have. 

Again. If this house could be repaired and put in complete or- 
der, it is insufficient to accommodate the families connected with it. 
If we adopt a plan to enlarge the house, the size of the lot shows 
that this is impracticable, to say nothing of the risk of enlarging a 
frame building. Already we are so shut up by buildings on the 
right and left, and in the rear, that in warm weather the congrega- 



7 



tion find it oppressive, and to be brought out into " a large place" is 
very desirable. The question, " Do we need a new and larger 
church edifice," must be answered in the affirmative by all, 
when the fact is stated, that we have in regular connexion with 
us, thirty heads of families more than we have pews in this 
house ! ! And from a census made by one of the members of the 
church, which is yet unfinished, and therefore falls below the whole 
number, there are properly belonging to the church and congrega- 
tion, about two hundred souls more than our pews can possibly ac- 
commodate ; this number is composed of men, women and children. 
In this state of things, how can the spiritual concerns of the 
church be properly attended to. How can we " who watch for 
souls" tell whether the people are in the house of God, when so 
many of them have no pews or particular seats in the church. Ac- 
cording to our form of church government, which suits us far bet- 
ter than any other of which we have any knowledge, it is neces- 
sary for everybody to have a place, and then we must see that that 
place is regularly filled. How can the Session of the church know 
that our two hundred and sixty-three communicants are careful in 
their attendance upon the services of the sanctuary, when so many 
of them are obliged to be without any particular location in the 
church ! Thus far, your pastor has been very much embarrassed 
from this very cause. In vain, as he looks over the congregation, 
does he try to find the members ; he turns to the right hand — they 
may be on the left ; he looks for them near the pulpit — they may 
be at the door. We must have a place for each, and each in his 
place. 

Again. As circumstances are, how can we add to the church 1 
We believe in the doctrine that when the members are faithful in 
the discharge of their duties, the Lord adds to the church daily. 
In conversation with a pious lady the other day, about plans for 
doing good, she suggested a protracted meeting, and an invitation 
to a distinguished brother to aid us. The question was asked, 
" where shall he labor ? how can we invite that brother, who at- 
tracts such large audiences, when our house of worship is too strait 



c 



8 



for those who already attend there ?" Indeed, brethren, these walls 
say to us, hitherto shalt thou go and no further. They forbid large 
accessions. Several of our best families now have no pews, and 
how often are they prevented from extending to their acquaintan- 
ces the invitation " come," because they have no pews, nor any 
place to which they can invite. Even those who hold pews can- 
not say " come," because the accommodations are not too large, and 
in many cases not large enough, for their own families. These 
facts, however, do not make those who attend unwelcome. On the 
contrary, every pew-holder takes pleasure in opening his door to 
all, as far as the accommodations will permit. 

I believe that the Lord is saying to us, " Enlarge the place of 
thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitation ; 
spare not, lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes, for thou 
shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left ; and thy seed 
shall inherit the Gentiles and make the desolate cities to be inhabi- 
ted." May the spirit of each of us be, " Speak, Lord, for thy 
servant heareth." 

If this were a question of business, and brought to a man en- 
gaged in trade, he would not hesitate one moment. Without any 
delay, he would set his house in order, invite all the custom, and 
carry on as large a business as he could manage. Shall we, my 
brethren, be less anxious to promote the work of the Lord our God! 
I believe not. No, I am sure that when we shall have looked at all the 
facts and bearings of this important subject, each one will say, " let 
us rise up and build " the God of Heaven he will prosper, there- 
fore, we his servants will rise up and build." Brethren ! does the 
Lord require this at our hands ? I believe he does : then will he 
prosper us. Make the effort, and he will bless it and us. As things 
are now, the usefulness of the church, and of your pastor must be cir- 
cumscribed, the accessions to our communicants must necessarily 
be small. When the members of the church are all present, there 
is but little room for others. How was it at the communion last 
Sabbath, when we sat together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus ! 
In that precious season, with such a band of brethren and sisters, 



9 



as were then present, we had the question of "need" settled. I sup- 
pose that every one, had the question been asked, would have re- 
plied in the affirmative. Brethren, if our place be too small, then 
we must either enlarge this or build, or suffer the hands of your 
pastor to be tied, which last I am right certain you never will do. 
I know you too well, and value your prayers and efforts too highly 7 
to have the first suspicion of the sort. Besides, in our frequent 
conversations we are agreed as touching the necessity. 

But are we able ? This is the question. One which we must 
settle on the subscription paper, and which we need not there- 
fore examine or discuss here. But we may say something as to 
the probabilities. As reference has already been made to the house 
that now is, you will not be wearied to hear one other made. When, 
how, by whom was this house built ? Certainly not by a very 
large number of people, for they would have required more room : 
certainly not by very rich men, for they would not have built of 
wood, nor in this style. But it was built a house for God ; and as 
it was in the wilderness when the tabernacle was reared, and as it 
was in the temple built by Solomon, so has it been here. " The 
glory of the Lord filled the house." 

This building, small and temporary, was put up at very little 
expense, as an experiment. God has graciously blessed the church 
beyond the most sanguine expectations of its warmest friends, and 
now that the pillar of cloud is moving forward, we must onward ! 
Where God leads, we must and will follow. 

But when, how, by whom was this house erected to the glory of 
God? Towards the close of the year 1828, the Second Presbyte- 
rian church became vacant. After hearing several ministers, 
the church resolved to go into an election for pastor. There 
were two candidates before the people. For some years pre- 
vious to this, there had been frequent indications of opposition to 
a handful of warm hearts, whose zeal for the Lord of Hosts rebuked 
the great coldness which prevailed ; the manifestation of this zeal 
often stirred up the rulers, and among other things the dogma was 
inculcated that a prayer meeting could not be legally held, unless a 

2 



10 



ruling elder was present. There were of course no objections ever 
made to the presence of a ruling elder ; but then if these warm hearts 
felt the need of prayer, and assembled themselves " full of faith and 
the Holy Ghost." they could not, according to the dogma, pray 
to their Father in Heaven, because the ruling elder chose to stay 
at home. Indeed, so far had these u devout men and women" wan- 
dered, (in the estimation of some,) from the old paths, that one of 
their number was officially waited oh, with the information that 
his certificate of dismission was ready for him. That, with some 
others, was called for in due time, contrary to the expectations of 
those who were before ready to make the proposition. The dis- 
mission of pious members is no small matter, as the history of some 
churches abundantly testifies. 

It was evident to those concerned, that the approaching election 
for pastor was one of no ordinary moment to the Second Presbyte- 
rian Church in Washington City. The day appointed came — the 
people assembled — proxies were introduced, and the votes of those 
present and those absent were taken. The proxies carried the day. 
A shade of momentary gloom was cast over the countenances of 
those who had trembled for the Ark of God. The act was done — 
the scene was over. All retired. 

On Monday, 24th November, 1S2S, at the house of Jacob 
Gideon, jr. five men and eighteen women met, and exhibited re- 
gular certificates of dismission from the Second Presbyterian 
Church. They there, in the name of God, and in conformity 
with a resolution which they adopted, formed themselves into a 
particular church, agreeably to the 4th section of the 2d chapter 
of the Presbyterian Form of Government, and elected David M. 
Wilson a ruling elder. The Rev. Joshua N. Danforth was in- 
vited to minister to the infant church. They were subsequently 
taken under the care of the Presbytery of the District of Columbia, 
with which the church is still in connexion. They had come out 
for conscience sake, and were contending — no! not contending, 
there was no contention in it — they left all for conscience, and 
were determined to hold the unity of the faith in the bonds of peace. 



1 1 



Yes ! brethren, here were five men and eighteen women, without 
wealth or worldly influence, in order that they might worship God 
according to the dictates of their consciences, taking a stand, and 
saying before the world, " the God of Heaven, he will prosper us, 
we his servants will therefore rise up and build." What can be 
more like Nehemiah's plan : the ridicule and scoffs in both cases 
seemed to be not without reason, but the result in both cases pro- 
ved that God was in the plan, and that the laughter was premature. 
The laughter of many in this world, precedes but a step the bitter- 
ness of disappointment and mortification. 

The " little flock" were led by their shepherd into a school 
house, close by this spot ; he there fed the sheep, and the Chief 
Shepherd came and smiled, and cheered his heart. The indica- 
tions of the divine presence were clearly seen in their midst ; the 
Lord blessed the labors of his servant ; accessions were made ; 
friends were raised up ; and Joshua, the servant of God, was honored 
in seeing multitudes gathering around the standard. God sent also 
his Apostle James among the people, and he wrought many wonders 
by them in the conversion of sinners. The name of Patterson is 
in our midst, as ointment poured forth. At the end of three years 
and a half, Mr. D. was -called to another portion of the field, and 
then came a young and Noble brother, who drew his virgin blade. 
Under his repeated and continued thrusts, the King's enemies fell. 
Seven years he fought the good fight on this field, when the Lord 
changed his battle ground. 

But I am too fast. When, how, by whom was this house built? 
Soon after the birth of the infant church, measures were adopted 
to provide a house, and in a short time the lumber, and the bricks, 
and the mortar were deposited, and the workmen came, and this 
house arose. " Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith 
the Lord of Hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain ? before Ze- 
rubbabel thou shalt become a plain, and he shall bring forth the 
head stone with shoutings, crying grace, grace unto it." How ? 
By faith, prayer and effort. Through faith the mouths of lions 
have been stopped, kingdoms have been subdued ; and it was a 



12 



small matter, through that same faith, to build this house unto God: 
and through that same faith, and by that same spirit, it will be as 
small to build another, according to our present necessities. What 
cannot we accomplish if Grod be with us, around us, in us. What 
may not be done. The history of this church proves, that a few de- 
termined Christians can, in the strength of Jesus, do great things. 
Friends have been, and will be again raised up. Those who were 
mainly instrumental in the erection of this house, are here to-day, 
possessed of more means, and I trust more grace, than they 
were when the effort was before made, and they are with us in 
heart, in this new enterprise. I look back upon the few who came 
out for conscience sake ; I look at the history of the church ; at 
this house ; at this crowded congregation ; and above all, I look to 
God, and say, yes ! we are able. I am persuaded that necessity to 
build another house of worship, is laid upon us. I am persuaded 
that with such help as our friends will furnish, we are able ; and 
I am persuaded that we should at once take steps to build a plain, 
substantial, neat, commodious house, for those who are now 
with us, those whom the Lord will add, and those who will come 
after us when our work on earth is done, and we are gathered to 
our fathers. Should the enterprise be commenced, I pledge myself 
here, before this congregation, to stand by you until the last cent is 
paid. We do not intend to run into debt. We will build accord- 
ing to our means, and pay off as we go. 

Who will not give us their countenance, their prayers, their 
contributions ? Who can distrust God's willingness to bless us in 
the effort ? 

In the character which this church has ever borne, and which 
it still maintains as a praying church, we have abundant encourage- 
ment to " rise up and build." It was organized with prayer ; its 
first members were praying men and praying women ; the spirit of 
Israel was vouchsafed to them in their earliest tabernacle ; the same 
spirit accompanied them to this house of prayer, and here it still 
abides. Prayer has been the business of the church. Every week 
has witnessed the fervid devotion of the brethren and the sisters, in 



13 



their separate, distinctive prayer meetings : every week has borne 
testimony to their commingled tears and supplications for the bles- 
sing of God, when *• they were all with one accord in one place." 
In these prayer meetings, scenes have been witnessed which, at the 
recital, would thrill the coldest heart. I can point to those now 
present, and say, "this and that man were born there." From these 
meetings, holy influences have gone forth among the people, con- 
straining them to hear and obey the Gospel. The Holy Spirit has, 
in answer to these prayers, descended as the early and the latter 
rain, and this vine of God's right hand planting, has grown in 
strength and in beauty, spreading out its branches and its verdant 
foliage. Since its organization, including the twenty -three origi- 
nal members, three hundred and eighty-nine souls have been re- 
ceived to its communion. Many of these are with us now ; some 
have removed to other portions of the visible church ; some have 
passed away, leaving behind them the brightest testimony that they 
have gone home, to worship in the upper temple — to mingle with 
the spirits of just men made perfect. We would have detained them 
here ; but the Master's love and wisdom are infinite ; he has done, 
and will do all things well. For them to live, was Christ. To die, 
was gain. 

Brethren, if we begin our contemplated enterprize, we will seek 
to have the same spirit of prayer, and be under the guidance of that 
same hand that has led us hitherto. We should never engage in 
any plan, which we may not with freedom and confidence bring to 
the throne of grace. The prediction of that heavenly minded man 
to whom we have already referred, is now history. When his ad- 
vice was asked with reference to building, in the first instance, he 
enquired, " what is your motive ? with what spirit would you en- 
gage in this work ?" The answer was, "the glory of God." "Then," 
said he, " the Lord will, if necessary, send you one from Heaven ; 
or, what is the same thing, he will open the hearts of the people to 
aid you in the accomplishment of the object." 

Thus was this tabernacle commenced ; and though difficulties 
met those engaged at every step, yet hitherto has the Lord helped. 



14 



He is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. The hearts of all 
men are in his hands. Faith and corresponding efforts will, under 
God, do great things. " Lord increase our faith." 

From the commencement, the Gospel has been supported by the 
people, without asking aid from any other quarter. Punctuality in 
all engagements, has been aimed at, and those who have labored in 
the Gospel, have, as far as agreed on, lived by the Gospel. But 
this is not all. Our people have always heard with interest the ap- 
peals from our various Benevolent Societies, and have responded 
with pleasure. Their alms have come up with their prayers, as a 
memorial betore God. Their contributions have been made from 
principle. Not grudgingly, but of a ready mind, they have done it 
unto the Lord, and now stand willing further to do according to 
their several ability. This is not said in the spirit of boasting. God 
forbid ! this is indeed excluded, and we should be much ashamed of 
such a spirit. The claims of a world lying in wickedness, have al- 
ways been acknowledged here, and to preach the Gospel to every 
creature, has been one of our dearest objects. By the last report 
made to the Presbytery, about one thousand dollars had been con- 
tributed during the year, in answer to calls from various depart- 
ments of benevolence. 

Amid all the agitations of the times in which we live, when 
many of our communion have been sorely pressed, and bro- 
ther has become opposed to brother, we have been graciously 
kept in perfect peace. In addition to all the agitating ques- 
tions in our denomination, the church has passed through the 
peculiar trial consequent upon a vacancy. At a time when the 
enemy had facilities, in the conflicting opinions of brethren, to 
carry on his work, the pulpit became vacant. <: The Lord will 
provide," was the spirit of the church. The spirit of prayer was 
the conservative principle. Union marked the counsels of the 
church, and the Lord brought the people safely through. To 
preserve the unity of the faith in the bonds of peace, has been 
the aim of all ; and the Great Head of the church has been as a wall 
of fire round about, and the glory in the midst. Not unto us, not 



15 



unto us, but unto thy name, O Lord God, be all the praise! Thus 
far, we have been united in all our plans ; and now that another 
very important one has been commenced, we have already an ear- 
nest in the past. I believe that touching the necessity, we have but 
one mind. Many of our number may not be able to help much, but 
all will do something to have a nail or a brick in the house of God. 
I am persuaded that if we, in humble but unshaken confidence in 
God, go forward in the work, " the God of Heaven he will prosper 
us." 

We are not able, of ourselves, to do this great work. We do 
not undertake it relying upon our own strength. We depend first 
upon the blessing of God. Second, upon our own efforts. No aid 
will be asked from others, if we can do the work ourselves. This 
we cannot altogether accomplish. " To beg we are (not) ashamed." 
We are the servants of Him who, though he were rich, yet for our 
sakes became poor, that we, through his poverty might become 
rich. He had not where to lay his head. We must ask others to 
help. When applications for such purposes as this have been made 
to us, we have done what we could. Now, we look to the friends 
of Zion, and ask them to assist us in the erection of a house to Fa- 
ther, Son, and Holy Spirit. We ask them to subscribe to this stock, 
believing that the investment will be perfectly safe, and that it will 
yield them dividends when earth and all her works shall be burned 
up. With some help from others, in addition to our own subscrip- 
tions, we will effect our object, and rear the needed house. We 
are sure that religious influence will thereby be considerably aug- 
mented. We will then have it in our power to use those extra ef- 
forts, which God has been pleased so often and so greatly to bless 
in our midst. As we are, this at present cannot be done. I know 
of no house of worship in this city, quite so indifferent as this. I 
know of no congregation in this District or region, who stand as 
much in need, and I hope and believe that when the appeal is 
made, our citizens and those abroad will help us. Of this we have 
already some assurances ; and though the help promised be not 
very great, yet we receive it as a favorable indication ; and, believ- 



16 

ing that after we have done all we ought ourselves, the Lord will 
secure us friends, we his servants will rise up and build. The in- 
scription shall be, " Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace,, 
good will towards men." 



"by 

V 



V 




or ; 




• ^ ST f! 






o V 



. 5- *v /\ ^ *J 




3^ ..".*. *O a 

* o 



4? o'J^'- 






